His full name was John Francis Anthony Pastorius III, but he is universally known as Jaco Pastorius, the American bassist, composer, and producer who revolutionized the role of the electric bass in modern music.
The complete biography is in the dedicated page
His self-titled debut album, Jaco Pastorius, was produced by Bobby Colomby with the participation of Herbie Hancock and is considered a milestone in fusion music.
The album opens with "Donna Lee", a cover of Charlie Parker's bebop classic performed only with bass and congas (Don Alias). In it, Jaco demonstrates a speed and melodic precision unmatched by any electric bassist, treating the instrument like a saxophone. It features a breathtaking solo. The clarity of the notes at such extreme speed shocked the music world at the time.
"Come On, Come Over" is a tribute to soul, a driving funk track featuring R&B legends Sam & Dave, where Jaco showcases his R&B roots and his ability to write for a horn section. The bass line is a perfect example of "ghost notes" and a tight groove, paying homage to his Miami soul idols.
Continuum is a lyrical study in fretless bass, with a "singing" sound and fluid vibrato that create a reflective atmosphere that will become his trademark. The sound is dreamy, almost liquid. Jaco uses vibrato and glissando to make the instrument "sing." It's proof that the bass can express deep and melancholic emotions, not just rhythm.
Kuru / Speak Like a Child is a blend of a pounding bass riff and Herbie Hancock's theme. The rhythm section is frenetic, with a string arrangement written by Jaco himself. It's an example of how he managed to blend avant-garde jazz with rock energy.
This is followed by Portrait of Tracy, perhaps the most iconic piece for any bassist. In it, Jaco uses exclusively natural and artificial harmonics to create an ethereal and complex melody, demonstrating that the bass can be a self-sufficient solo and orchestral instrument. Just over two minutes that changed the history of the bass, Jaco creates a melody that sounds like it's being played by a harp or piano. Even today, it remains the definitive "admission test" for every modern bassist.
"Opus Pocus", featuring Wayne Shorter on soprano saxophone and Othello Molineaux on steel drums, reflects Florida and Caribbean influences. Jaco's bass here is less of a soloist and more integrated into a refined ensemble.
"Okonkolé Y Trompa" is played by an unusual trio of bass, French horn, and percussion, a tribal and hypnotic piece in which Jaco uses harmonics and percussive techniques to create a sonic carpet.
"(Used to Be a) Cha-Cha" is a track in which he collaborates with Herbie Hancock, featuring an irresistible Latin-funk groove and top-notch jazz interplay. A long, nearly nine-minute piece featuring Herbie Hancock and Hubert Laws (flute), the album's most jazzy track features a solo by Jaco that is a triumph of harmonic skill and speed, with a splendid interplay with Hancock's piano.
Forgotten Love is a piece for string orchestra alone, on which Jaco does not play—a bold choice for a debut album by a bassist, with whom Jaco wanted to be recognized first and foremost as a composer. It's a solemn and romantic piece inspired by European classical music.
The album is a masterpiece of technical virtuosity and musicality, performed with a technique unrivaled for its time and still a benchmark today, blending R&B, jazz, classical music, and Caribbean rhythms.
After this album, the role of the bassist has never been the same, nor has music, nor Prog.
An essential must-have, a masterpiece by an unrivaled musician.
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
Tracklist
Donna Lee (C. Parker) - 2:24
Come On, Come Over (Jaco Pastorius) - 3:53
Continuum (Jaco Pastorius) - 4:32
Kuru / Speak Like A Child (Jaco Pastorius / Herbie Hancock) - 7:38
Portrait Of Tracy (Jaco Pastorius) - 2:19
(Used to Be A) Cha-Cha (Jaco Pastorius) - 8:49
6/4 Jam (Jaco Pastorius) - 7:45
Opus Pocus (Jaco Pastorius) - 3:29
Okonkolé Y Trompa (Jaco Pastorius) - 3:32
Forgotten Love (Jaco Pastorius) - 2:51
Duration 42:09
LineUp
Jaco Pastorius: Fretless Electric Bass
Herbie Hancock: Piano, Fender Rhodes
Wayne Shorter: Soprano Saxophone
David Sanborn: Alto Saxophone
Michael Brecker: Tenor Saxophone
Lenny White: Drums
Don Alias: Percussion, Congas
Othello Molineaux: Steel Drums
Sam & Dave: Vocals (on "Come On, Come Over")
Other Participants:
Randy Brecker & Ron Tooley: Trumpets
Peter Graves: Bass Trombone
Hubert Laws: Piccolo
Peter Gordon: French Horn
Michael Gibbs: Arrangements and String Conductor
Alex Darqui: Fender Rhodes
Narada Michael Walden & Bobby Economou: Drums
